Association Between Hormonal Fingerprints and Dental Caries among Population of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Hormonal fingerprint is the ratio between 2nd and 4th digit length. It is a biological marker that is used to predict and diagnose many metabolic disorders. It is also used for the detection of caries which is the most prevalent oral health disease. Aim: To evaluate the association between hormonal fingerprints and caries among the population of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 randomly selected subjects aged between 18- 25 years. Hormonal fingerprints were obtained by measuring the length ratio of the index to the ring finger with the help of a digital vernier caliper. Caries status was assessed by using decayed, missing due to caries and filled (DMFT) index which were according to WHO assessment form 2013. The entire subjects were split into two groups high 2D:4D and low 2D:4D ratio based on the calculations. Results: Based on the findings, it was found that 29% were males and 45% were females with 2D:4D ≥1 whereas 71% of males and 55% of females had 2D:4D <1. The high DMFT score was higher in the low 2D:4D ratio as compared to the high ratio and this difference was statistically significant. (p= 0.02) Conclusion: The study confirms a positive association between hormonal fingerprints and dental caries.